10 Completely Archaic Laws Still on the Books

Those sexy stillettos could get you a ticket in Carmel, Calif. iStockphoto/Thinkstock

It's hard to imagine that a city once run by the Outlaw Josey Wales would be overly regulated. But Carmel, Calif., where Clint Eastwood served as mayor from 1986 to 1988, is home to a number of unusual laws, including a ban on high heels. That's right, shoes with heels more than 2 inches (5 centimeters) high or with less than a one-square-inch base are a no-no in this scenic Monterey retreat. The prohibition on pumps was enacted in an effort to limit the city's liability for trip and fall accidents by people traversing Carmel's jagged streets in stilettos. It is not often enforced -- and you can get a free high heel permit at City Hall [source: Grischy].